Alex McLeish quit Birmingham City because he was not consulted properly over transfers and because his chief scout was sacked, according to the League Managers' Association.

LMA chief executive Richard Bevan said there had been "aggressive and seriously undermining communications" that had made McLeish's position untenable.

Blues acting chairman Peter Pannu has said he will seek compensation if McLeish makes a controversial move to Aston Villa.

Bevan said: "Alex decided he had to resign as there had been serious issues for some time between him and the board at Birmingham.

"The LMA recognise it is often very difficult for clubs and chairmen, especially with the financial pressures and 24/7 media coverage.

"However, it is very disappointing that some clubs don't follow normal principles of employment law - which can undermine the game, the club and even the community the club is based in.

"Mr Pannu, a senior member of the board, has put into the public domain confidential information contained in Alex's contract. This is without doubt a breach of confidence.

"It is disappointing that Alex appears to have been criticised for sending his formal resignation letter by e-mail, particularly given that one of the issues Alex resigned over was Mr Pannu's sacking of Alex's chief scout, who learned that he was to be dismissed when he was copied in on an e-mail from Mr Pannu to one of the club's officials.

"There were other issues as well, including not being properly consulted on player transfers, and making a number of aggressive and seriously undermining communications, which ultimately made his position untenable."

Paul Montgomery was sacked as Birmingham's chief scout in May after just over two years in the job.

Pannu today said McLeish can leave the club "with his blessing", adding: "I have nothing against Alex McLeish.

"If he moves to another place, he will go with my blessing. But it will be done properly as per the contract."

FA-registered lawyer Katie Simmonds, who is a solicitor with FrontRow Legal in Leeds, said: "If Alex McLeish has a notice period of two to three months, as most contracts do, then Birmingham could place him on gardening leave for that time.

"What that would basically do is mean McLeish would have to stay away from working during that time, so long as it is a reasonable notice period."